Louisiana's expungement law has changed significantly over the past decade. Until 2014, there was no provision for expunging adult felony convictions in Louisiana. Today, the state allows expungement of many misdemeanor and felony convictions — and in 2023, Louisiana passed SB 111, a Clean Slate law that will eventually automate the process for eligible records. If you were told years ago that you could not clear your Louisiana record, the law has likely changed since then.
This guide explains how the law works in general terms. Whether you qualify depends on your specific record, and a judge makes the final call. If your situation is complicated — multiple convictions, charges in multiple states, or a previous denial — consulting a lawyer who handles expungement is worth the cost of a consultation.
How Louisiana expungement works
Louisiana uses the term "expungement," but the practical effect is closer to what other states call sealing. When a Louisiana record is expunged, it is removed from public access — employers and landlords running standard background checks will not see it. But the record is not destroyed. Law enforcement and certain agencies retain access.
The legislature stated the purpose of expungement in Art. 971: to "break the cycle of criminal recidivism, increase public safety, and assist the growing population of criminal offenders reentering the community to establish a self-sustaining life through opportunities in employment." That is a clear statement of intent — and it guides how courts interpret the law.
The set aside — Art. 893(E)
One of the most important concepts in Louisiana criminal law is the set asideunder Article 893(E). For certain first-time felony offenders, the court can defer the entry of a judgment of guilt during probation. If you successfully complete probation, the court sets aside the conviction and dismisses the prosecution.
A set aside under Art. 893(E) is not the same as expungement — the arrest and charge still appear on your record even after the conviction is set aside. But having the conviction set aside makes you eligible for expungement of the underlying arrest and charge, and the expungement process is generally smoother for people who have had their conviction set aside.
The 2023 Clean Slate law — automatic expungement
Louisiana has discussed broader automation for some record-relief workflows, but this guide stays focused on the traditional motion practice that people can still use today.
The automated process covers non-conviction records (Art. 976), misdemeanor convictions (Art. 977), and felony convictions (Art. 978) that would otherwise be eligible for expungement. The timeline for full implementation is still developing. If you do not want to wait for the automated system to reach your record, you can still file a motion under the traditional process.
Who qualifies — and who does not
- Non-conviction records
- Misdemeanor convictions after 5 years
- Set-aside cases may create a separate filing path
- Felony convictions after 10 years
- Some first-offense marijuana possession cases may have a shorter route
- Arrests where no charges were filed
- Records that fit the current motion-based route or any active automated process
- Sex offenses requiring registration
- Crimes of violence as defined by La. R.S. 14:2(B)
- Domestic abuse battery (La. R.S. 14:35.3) — in most circumstances
- DWI convictions (La. R.S. 14:98) — third or subsequent offenses
- Any offense where the person has a subsequent conviction during the waiting period
- Any offense where the person has pending charges
- Murder, manslaughter, and other serious violent crimes
Louisiana's eligibility rules depend on the specific offense and your complete criminal history. The 'crimes of violence' definition in La. R.S. 14:2(B) is broad and covers many offenses beyond what most people think of as violent crimes. Check the statute or consult a lawyer.
Waiting periods
The clock starts on the date shown below — not your arrest date.
Misdemeanor conviction expungement
Clock starts: Completion of sentence, probation, or parole
No new convictions during the waiting period.
Felony conviction expungement
Clock starts: Completion of sentence, probation, or parole
No new convictions during the waiting period.
Set-aside case
Clock starts: After the court order is entered
If the court set the case aside and dismissed it, check the remaining filing path for the record itself.
Non-conviction record expungement
Clock starts: Disposition
Dismissed, acquitted, and declined-prosecution cases are covered.
First-offense marijuana possession
Clock starts: Check the conviction date and any sentence completion date
Use the current statute and case facts to confirm whether a shorter route applies.
Automated review
Clock starts: As implemented by the state system
If an automated process exists for a record category, confirm whether the traditional motion route still remains available.
How to file for expungement in Louisiana
The Louisiana expungement process
Get your Louisiana criminal history
1-2 weeks • $26Determine which expungement pathway applies
1-2 hours • FreeComplete the motion for expungement
30-60 minutes • FreeFile the motion with the clerk of court
1 day • $550 for conviction expungement; lower for non-convictionsDA and arresting agency are notified
30-60 days • FreeCourt rules on the motion
30-90 days after filing • FreeRecords are updated
60-90 days • FreeThe $550 filing fee
Louisiana charges $550 for conviction expungement filings. This is one of the highest filing fees in the country and a genuine barrier for many people. The fee covers costs to BCII, the clerk of court, the DA's office, the sheriff, and other agencies.
Fee waivers are available. If you cannot afford the fee, Louisiana courts can waive it for indigent petitioners. Ask the clerk about the fee waiver process before you pay. Legal aid organizations may also help cover the cost for qualifying clients.
Non-conviction expungements (dismissals, acquittals) have a lower filing fee — typically around $100-$200 depending on the parish.
- The record is sealed from public access but not destroyed — law enforcement retains access
- Federal records are not affected — FBI databases are separate from Louisiana state records
- Immigration consequences remain — federal immigration law does not recognize state expungement
- Some professional licensing boards may still have access to expunged records
- Private background check companies may take 60-90 days to remove the record
- The 2023 Clean Slate automated process is still being implemented — check lsp.org for updates
Not legal advice. This guide explains how the law generally works. Your situation may be different. A lawyer who specializes in expungement can tell you how the law applies to your specific case.
Free legal help in Louisiana
- Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (SLLS) — free legal help for income-eligible residents: slls.org or 1-800-310-7029
- Acadiana Legal Service Corporation — serves Central and Southwest Louisiana: la-law.org
- Northwest Louisiana Legal Services — serves Northern Louisiana
- Louisiana State Bar Association Access to Justice: lsba.org/ATJ — pro bono referrals
- Louisiana Law Help: louisianalawhelp.org — free legal information and self-help tools
- Louisiana Supreme Court expungement forms: lasc.org — official forms
- Louisiana State Police BCII: lsp.org/services/bcii — criminal history requests
Southeast Louisiana Legal Services handles expungement cases for income-eligible clients and may help with filing costs. Apply early because demand often exceeds capacity.
Ready to file? We handle the paperwork.
Pre-filled court forms, step-by-step checklist, and process guidance — so you know exactly what to do next.